Electronic putting target apparatus

ABSTRACT

A device for practicing putting a golf ball, with an audible feedback signal that indicates that a golf ball has successfully hit the device. The device has a flat circular base with a printed circuit board attached, and a sensor or array of sensors contacting the entire outer rim of the base. An elastomeric membrane covers the device and the circular sensor, and transmits shock to the sensor when a golf ball impacts the device. The sensor or array of sensors produces a trigger signal upon impact of the ball, but is not activated by shaking, tipping, or pressure which might be associated with travel or handling. The audible feedback sound is stored in digital format.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This invention relates generally to the field of golf and more specifically to the practicing of putting, using an electronic Putting Target to represent the golf cup. Millions of men women and children enjoy the sport of golf throughout the world. Accurate putting is one of the most critical aspects of the game. It is also one of the aspects which can be most easily practiced in a home, office, or hotel room, with the help of a target device simulating the golf cup. Other putting targets and golf ball direction and speed analyzers have been described in US Patent Applications, in promotional literature, and in other sources. For example, Pacheco (1998) U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,751; Glasson (1975) U.S. Pat No. 3,892,414; Knox (1991) U.S. Pat No. 5,067,718 used photoelectric cells or conductive members to form an electrical “switch” to detect the impact of a golf ball or other object. The Par Sounds “Audio Golf Hole” uses a mechanical “tilt or shake switch” and does give audible feedback when hit. The Golf N Tech “Birdiro” putting pad is thin and gives verbal praise (e.g. “Nice Putt !”) or when a target is hit. The Fuzzy Zoeller “Putting Peg” and “Putting Pod” provide a small target and reproduce the sound of a ball dropping into a golf cup when hit.

[0005] However, many of the prior devices are too bulky to be carried by travelers along with existing luggage. Others are small, but are spuriously triggered by non-golfing situations, such as tipping or compressing the devices. To avoid depleting the battery source and casing unwanted distractions in transport, these devices must be switched off, or the batteries must be removed. Most of the prior devices have some “live” spots which are more susceptible to trigger by impact and some “dead” spots which are less susceptible. It is difficult to avoid the penetration of dust or liquid into most of the prior devices, and they are not easily cleaned. Current technology used in the present invention allows the economical use of sensors that are capable of differentiating the impact of a ball from other events which might trigger previously developed putting targets.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The primary object of the invention is to provide a Putting Practice Apparatus that differentiates between the impact of a golf ball and the shaking, pressure, or movement of transport.

[0007] Another object of the invention is To provide a low profile Putting Practice Apparatus that is convenient to carry in a briefcase or other luggage.

[0008] Another object of the invention is To provide a Putting Practice Apparatus with a highly realistic sound indicating a successful putt.

[0009] A further object of the invention is To provide a Putting Practice Apparatus that is very durable and resists penetration of dust and dirt.

[0010] Yet another object of the invention is To provide a Putting Practice Apparatus that indicates a successful putt independent of the point of impact on the rim.

[0011] Still yet another object of the invention is To provide a Putting Practice Apparatus that minimizes battery consumption, without the inconvenience of switching the device off or removing batteries.

[0012] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for practicing putting, comprising: a substantially flat circular base with means for attaching a printed circuit board to said base, a continuous circular sensor contacting the entire outer rim of the base, an elastomeric membrane covering the device and the circular sensor, and transmitting shock to the sensor, and an audible indicator to indicate the impact of a golf ball on the apparatus. The elastomeric membrane deadens the sound of the impact of the ball, allowing the audbible feedback signal to be heard more clearly. The same membrane guards against intrusion of dust or moisture, and provides an easy-to-clean surface.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the continuous circular sensor consists of a piezoelectric element that responds to impact by producing an electrical signal which can be filtered and introduced to a microcontroller circuit. The microcontroller circuit can then initiate an audible feedback signal which reproduces the sound of a golf ball hitting and settling into a golf cup, or other sound as desired, including human speech. Because the sensor is continuous around the rim of the apparatus, the orientation of the device when placed on the carpet, grass, or other surface is unimportant, and impact on the rim from any direction will trigger the microcontroller. In an alternate embodiment, the rim area contains a fluid which transmit the shock of the impact of a ball to a pressure transducer. The digital information representing the feedback sound may be stored in memory which is part of the microcontroller integrated circuit, or may be stored in an external memory circuit, and may be changed after assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

[0016]FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of the main components of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 is an explode perspective view of the main components of the assembled invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional elevational view of the assembled invention.

[0019]FIG. 4 is diagram illustrating the contact point of a rolling golf ball with the invention.

[0020]FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the molded plastic base.

[0022]FIG. 7 is a perspective bottom view of the printed circuit board with battery contacts attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0024] Turning to the drawings, in a preferred embodiment, the invention is easily assembled from the seven main parts shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The electrical terminals of the speaker 15 are soldered to corresponding copper pads on printed circuit board 13. The continuous circular piezoelectric sensor element 12 has two electrical contact points 12 a which are riveted or otherwise electrically attached to printed circuit board 13. The combined assembly of printed circuit board 13, speaker 15, and sensor 12 are placed upon the molded base 11. The substantially flat circular molded plastic base 11 includes walls 11 c, shown in FIG. 6, to locate speaker 15 centrally on said base. Said base 11 provides means for mounting said printed circuit board 13. In the preferred embodiment, said means consist of flexible protrusions 11 a, shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, which allow the printed circuit board 13 to be snapped onto the base 11 without additional fasteners. It should, however, be noted that a base which included features to allow screws or other common fasteners for attaching the printed circuit board 13 would provide the same function.

[0025] After the circuit board 13 is snapped onto the base, adhesive is applied to the underside of the elastomeric membrane which is the cover 14. The cover 14 is fitted onto the base, with the rim 14 a of the cover, as shown in FIG. 3, covering the entire outer perimeter of the sensor 12. The portion of the cover 14 to which the adhesive is applied is then pressed down to the printed circuit board 13 to attach it so that the impact of a golf ball to the cover 14 results in the transmitting of a mechanical shock to the sensor 12. The cover 14 also serves to deaden the actual sound of the impact of the golf ball, thereby allowing a programmed audio signal to be heard with less interference. The elastomeric cover 14 also provides a mechanical preload for the piezoelectric sensor 12, producing optimum conditions for the detection of a golf ball impact. One or more batteries 16 is fitted through the base and into the corresponding hole 13 a in the printed circuit board 13, so that the battery 16 connects with metal battery contacts 13 b and 13 c, shown in FIG. 7, attached to the printed circuit board and serving as positive and negative contact points for said battery 16. The battery cover 17 is attached with two screws to the base 11, holding the batteries in proper position in the battery receiving holes 11 d against the metal contacts. An alternate embodiment uses a continuous sensor which contains a volume of air, gas, or a liquid, and a port which transfers the pressure of an impact to a pressure transducer. Said alternate embodiment shares the advantage with the primary embodiment of functioning independent of orientation and of deadening the actual impact sound. Another alternate, but equivalent, embodiment uses a substantially continuous circular array of sensors instead of the single continuous circular sensor 12 to detect impact.

[0026] The finished apparatus has a low profile, as shown in FIG. 3, so that a golf ball striking the edge can easily continue over the apparatus. The top of the rim of the apparatus, however, is at a height between about 0.1 inches and 0.35 inches above the flat surface on which it is placed. As shown in FIG. 4 this range of height ensures that a golf ball 18 of standard 1.68 inch diameter will contact said top rim at such an angle that most of the contact energy is transferred to the edge of the sensor 12, rather than first contacting the rim of the printed circuit board 13. The angle of contact in the preferred embodiment is between about 25 degrees from the vertical and about 50 degrees from the vertical.

Theory of Operation

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 5, the Microcontroller Unit (MCU) 22 is an integrated circuit with digital memory as, for example, a Texas Instruments MSP430. The memory is loaded with a digital software program via the industry standard JTAG programming port 23 at the time of manufacture. Additional memory 24, as for example serial flash memory or serial EPROM may optionally be connected to the MCU 22 to allow larger, more complex programs to be loaded and used. An oscillator internal to the MCU 22 or optionally an external oscillator 28 provides the digital clocking for MCU 22.

[0028] Until the sensor is activated by the impact of a golf ball, the electrical current used by the circuit is minimal, allowing extended life of the battery 29. When the sensor 20 receves an impact, an electrical signal is generated. The filter 21, which may be a resitive-capacative network, limits the signal from the sensor 20 to the MCU 22 so that only the desired frequencies are transferred. The filter 21 also protects the MCU 22 from damage by transient voltages, such as those caused by ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD).

[0029] A signal received by the MCU 22 generates an interrupt which activates the software program. The MCU first samples the signal arriving from the sensor 20 to verify that it matches the signal expected for a valid impact of a golf ball. A valid signal will result in the transmission of a digital pattern representing a particular sound to the sound generator 25, which may be, for example, a Texas Instrument TPA311 Audio Power Amplifier. Said sound can be a simulation of the actual sound of a golf ball settling in a cup, or may be programmed as another desired sound, such as a human voice, or the sound of applause. A new sound sequence may be captured and loaded via the programming port 23 at any time after assembly. The sound generator 25 converts the digital pattern to an analog voltage which is amplified by the driver circuit 26 and then generates the desired audible sound via the speaker 27. The sound from the speaker escapes from the apparatus via holes 11 b shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 which extend below the cover 14.

[0030] The apparatus, in its preferred embodiment, may be easily transported in a briefcase or other luggage without special packaging, and may be placed on a carpeted floor or a lawn area for practicing putting. It is easily cleaned and not easily damaged by dust or precipitation from above.

[0031] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for practicing putting comprising: a substantially flat circular base with means for attaching a printed circuit board to the base; a continuous circular sensor contacting the perimeter of the base; an elastomeric membrane covering the printed circuit board and the circular sensor, and transmitting shock to the sensor; and an audible indicator to indicate the impact of a golf ball on the apparatus.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which said audible indicator includes an electronic circuit that reproduces the sound of a golf ball hitting and settling in an actual golf cup, transmitting the sound via an audio speaker.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, in which said electronic circuit stores digital information representing the desired sound.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, in which said elastomeric membrane also serves to deaden the actual sound of impact of the ball, allowing the audio signal to be heard with less interfering sound;
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which said continuous circular sensor is a piezoelectric element.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, in which said elastomeric membrane also provides a preload on the piezoelectric element, producing optimum conditions to detect ball impact.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3, in which said electronic circuit can be made to capture a new audio sequence after assembly.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, in which an electronic filter circuit allows only certain frequencies associated with golf ball impact to activate said audible indicator.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the continuous circular sensor contains a volume of air, gas, or a liquid, and a port which transfers the pressure of an impact to a pressure transducer.
 10. An apparatus for practicing putting, comprising: a substantially flat circular base with means for attaching a printed circuit board to said base; a substantially continuous circular array of sensors contacting the perimeter outer rim of the base; an elastomeric membrane covering the printed circuit board and the sensor array, and transmitting shock to the sensors; and an audible indicator to indicate the impact of a golf ball on the apparatus.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, in which said audible indicator includes an electronic circuit that reproduces the sound of a golf ball hitting and settling in an actual golf cup, transmitting the sound via an audio speaker.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, in which said electronic circuit stores digital information representing the desired sound.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, in which said elastomeric membrane also serves to deaden the actual sound of impact of the ball, allowing the audio signal to be heard with less interfering sound;
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, in which said sensors in said circular array are piezoelectric elements.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, in which said elastomeric membrane also provides a preload on the piezoelectric elements, producing optimum conditions to detect ball impact.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, in which said electronic circuit can be made to capture a new audio sequence after assembly.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, in which an electronic filter circuit allows only certain frequencies associated with golf ball impact to activate said audible indicator. 